If they don’t work, you may need prescription-strength topical remedies, such as:

Ciclopirox (Loprox, Penlac), gel, lotion, or cream

Ketoconazole (Extina, Nizoral, others) foam, cream, gel, shampoo

Selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue) in 2.5 percent lotion or shampoo

Oral Medications for Tinea Versicolor

Many people with tinea versicolor prefer oral medicines, as they are not messy and can be more convenient. Sometimes a doctor will prescribe both topical and oral medicines to achieve better results. Commonly used oral medicines are:

Fluconazole (Diflucan) tablets

Itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox) capsules or tablets

Ketoconazole (Extina Nizoral, others) tablets

Other Therapies for Tinea Versicolor

Photodynamic therapy, also called light therapy, may also help with tinea versicolor, some research shows. But dietary changes have not been shown to help.

Home Remedies for Tinea Versicolor

Applying over-the-counter dandruff shampoos to the skin, for about 10 minutes a day while in the shower, can be a useful home remedy. Ask your doctor if this might help you.

Other home remedies are widely suggested, such as aloe vera, tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, and beeswax. Ask your doctor before trying any of them.

In one small study, published in 2004, an application of honey, olive oil, and beeswax helped a majority of patients. They applied the mixture (made of equal parts honey, olive oil, and beeswax) three times a day for about a month.

Preventing Recurrences of Tinea Versicolor

Even when the treatment for tinea versicolor is working, the skin color changes may persist for several months.

The condition can come back, and it commonly does. To reduce the chances that a tinea versicolor infection will recur, your doctor may recommend using a topical or oral treatment once a month or more often.

Some doctors also suggest using a medicated cleanser once or twice a month — especially if you live in a warm, humid location — to prevent the yeast from growing excessively again.

Your doctor may advise you to avoid excessive heat or sweating, if possible, to help prevent the return of a tinea versicolor infection.

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